posted 02-08-2013 04:10 PM                  

Gen 1 and 2 were made by Metalcrafters back in the early prowler days. Gen 1 had some problems that were corrected with gen 2. They are part of the Prowler history. They were made in conjunction with a series of other parts by Metalcrafters which together formed the Prowler deemed "California Howler". It included custom engine panels, front spoiler with side ferrings, custom grill, turn signal relocation kit,rear belly pan, rear deck spoiler and the hardtop. I could be missing stuff. here is a great build thread on it. This hardtop is of high quality. All these parts are now collectables IMO.
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/004340.html

The prowler store hardtop is a part currently in production and I know nothing about it. I think silverkat had some posts on it if you do a search.

Edited: It looks like a Carlini Roll Pan and M&L automotive Stainless Steel Grill after re-reading that thread.

posted 02-10-2013 12:06 AM                  

I haven't seen a Gen 2, but the rear poly tinted window (don't use Windex which contains ammonia !!) has the Metalcrafters insignia etched on inside center bottom. This design has the MC marque on the left and "Metalcrafters" with (old) phone # and wings on the right. It also has the AS-1 tinting designation which is legal, most states, for f/r 35 - admits 35% light. As Buddy says, the weatherstrips are glued on -- use rubber cement when they come loose.

Also, the top is flat as seen in Bkat's pix. A definite clue is the headliner. Gen 1s were dark gray (like the interior cat trim) and the 2s were light gray - see Buddy's pix which is actually more washed maybe cause of lighting used.

Mine came with the stock cat short rear pins. All the fit problems noted in many prior posts are true with the Gen 1s. This is worsened because the fiberglass has begun (or was originally) warped, but not so badly. Thanks to Buddy, I got a set of longs (some POAs say they can still be found -- do a search). But surprise-surprise, they don't really work with the orig Gen 1 weatherstripping !! If you do a complete search, Scott Curtis (RIP) made one comment on this prob and offered to sell thicker ws, but his source is lost. I added a second ws that helps and actually improves the appearance as it closes the gap (hdt bottom to deck) of the old, but still leaves a slight sliver of light to outside. Have a third I will try next time I take the top off. The long pins are still usable because of the hex design (if only the origs has this feature !!) but can't use the top "stuff" until I find another ws design.

The top is indeed flatter as shown in Bkat's pix. Note: the inside has four access holes for adjustments. Mine came with three plugs missing and had to improvise. Don't have to match perfectly as the fronts are mostly hidden by the visors and the rears aren't really noticeable behind the headrests. If anyone can fab these I'd be interested in getting replacements as they do fall out being just a push-fit.

posted 02-10-2013 05:18 AM                  

Lethia has the Gen 2 with the longer pins. Love the look

Only drawback, getting into the trunk and two man job to safely remove/install.

posted 02-17-2013 07:11 PM                  

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Originally posted by ALLEY CAT:
One of our local, AZ owners just received his hardtop from the P/Store the other day. Thought some of you might like to see how it comes shipped?

As soon as we find some old paint brushes and old rollers,,,it will get painted

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posted 02-17-2013 08:30 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by padroo:
A/C put me on your Christmas list and send me one!

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Dale,,,,,they are only available from the 'select group'

posted 02-18-2013 11:24 AM                  

Looks awesome yazz! You got it all on that slick blue kat.

It actually looks black but I see a blue stripe.

posted 02-18-2013 01:13 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by yazz:
Hardtop is the best thing ever...had mine out over the weekend.

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